Many talented young musicians live in our community, as evidenced by their recent accomplishments. Last week, this column listed the Marriotts Ridge High School students who made the Maryland All State Junior and Senior ensembles, and this week, recognition goes to the music students at Mt. View Middle School.
Congratulations to band students Daniel Degenford (trombone), Ryan Howard (trumpet), Alexandra Ostrander (euphonium), Niklas Schnake (French horn), and alternate Ben Giroux (percussion) for their acceptance into the Junior All-State Band. Alexandra has also earned a spot in the Howard County Honors Band, along with classmates Dorian Barnas (clarinet), Danny Choi (trombone), Brennan Hartigan (trumpet) and Yaw Owusu-Boaitey (trombone).
On the strings side, Samuel Lam, Sophie Moock and Aileen Yu have earned acceptance into the Junior All State Orchestra. Sophie and Aileen are also taking part in the Howard County GT Orchestra, as are Rachel Choi, Davin Hong, Leah Iannuzzi, Angelica Kim, Sophie Lan, James Ma, Jina Park and Rachel Yu. Finally, congratulations to Matthew Ahn, Alice Chong, Yoo-Jean Han, Benjamin Lee, Mindy Kang, Cathy Lee, Diana Nam, Jonathan Nam, Davin Park, and Ruth Park for their acceptance into the Howard County GT Sinfonia.
What great representation from Mt. View!
Students from Sykesville and Marriottsville, of course, get their start at West Friendship Elementary School and band teacher Amy Syversen does a great job of recognizing her young charges. The December Musicians of the Month at West Friendship Elementary are Megan Blackman (clarinet), Sophia Carey (clarinet), Austin Cestone (trumpet), Jacob Coomber (alto saxophone), Erin Ko (oboe), Sidney Parkent (percussion) and Luke Whalen (percussion). Also, a belated pat on the back to November musician Kamiye Runsewe (alto saxophone), who was inadvertently omitted from last month's list. These students have made tremendous progress through their hard work and willingness to learn. Well done!
Congratulations are also in order this week for Neighbor Ride, Howard County's volunteer-based transportation service for older residents. This popular nonprofit recently received Better Business Bureau accreditation and now proudly displays BBB's Accredited Charity Seal as a visible sign of its reliability and trustworthiness.
BBB awards accreditation only to organizations that meet or exceed its 20 standards for Charity Accountability. These areas look at how the organization governs itself, how it discloses information to the public, and how it raises and spends money. Donors can feel confident that Neighbor Ride has passed a comprehensive review.
According to Angie Barnett, BBB Greater Maryland President and CEO, "Donors are more concerned than ever that contributions are put to good use. Charities like Neighbor Ride, that display the BBB Accredited Charity Seal, have attested to sound standards and strengthen public trust in giving."
For more information about Neighbor Ride, contact Community Outreach Coordinator Colleen Konstanzer at 410-884-7433 or community@neighborride.org, or go to http://www.neighborride.org.
Christmas Day has almost arrived, and local churches would like to invite community members to their Christmas services.
On Dec. 24, Friendship Baptist will offer Christmas Eve services at 5 and 7 p.m., and one more on Christmas Day at 11 a.m. The address is 1391 Sykesville Road, in Sykesville, and the phone number is 410-442-5506.
Chapelgate Presbyterian will also hold two Christmas Eve services, both by candlelight, at 6 and 8 p.m., and one Christmas Day service at 10:30 a.m. Chapelgate lies across from Turf Valley at 2600 Marriottsville Road, in Marriottsville, and the phone number is 410-442-5820.
West Liberty United Methodist, at 2000 Sand Hill Road, in Marriottsville, has scheduled a candlelight service beginning at 3 p.m. on the 24th, and a special End of Year Celebration the following Saturday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. Call 410-442-2969 with any questions.
At St. James United Methodist, the Christmas Eve service is titled, "Journey Home, O Holy Night," and it is set for 8 p.m. at 12470 Old Frederick Road (Route 99), in Marriottsville. Christmas Day worship will take place at 11 a.m. For more information, call 410-442-2020.
Finally, Elizabeth Blough, the youth leader at Mt. Zion United Methodist, in Highland, would like to alert the extended community about the church's four Christmas Eve services: a children's service at 4 p.m., a traditional service at 7 p.m., a contemporary service at 9 p.m., and a candlelight service at 11 p.m. The address is 12430 Scaggsville Road (Route 216), and the phone number is 301-854-2324.
Wishing safe travels to all who are visiting elsewhere this coming week, and may your celebrations be warm and joyous!